While reading through 1 Corinthians 10 I was struck with the thought that Satan attempts to convince the saved of the opposite of what Scripture reveals there concerning temptation and sin.
So many times Christians have the attitude, “I’m safe and could never commit the sin of _____________.” Notice that Israel had been taken out of Egypt by God’s mighty power, had been “baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea” and had experienced the gracious blessings of God. Still, many of them failed (weren’t even saved by grace) and they are set forth as an example to believers to be on guard! Notice verses 6-10, “Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things…” This idea of “I’m saved so I’m not able to commit such-and-such a sin” seems to be a lie of the Devil.
Another paralyzing thought that many redeemed people accept is that they are the only one who has ever given into a certain temptation. This gives way to “no one could understand and help me because this is just too sinful.” Verse 13 reveals the truth– “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man…” It is a lie to think that no one else has ever fallen as you have, Christian. There is grace for you.
“You are powerless concerning this particular temptation” is also false. God will not allow you to be “tempted above that ye are able…” we see in verse 13. If you are saved then sin has no dominion or authority over you just as death has no dominion over Christ (Romans 6:9,14). Yes, you must submit to God and resist the Devil, but you CAN if you are God’s. Don’t believe the lie that you are powerless. You have “all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue” (2 Peter 1:3).
Is this one familiar to you? “There is no escape from ________.” Is there a certain temptation or sinful habit that you feel totally trapped by? Don’t accept the falsehood that there is no escape. Look at verse 13 again and see that our gracious Father does make “a way of escape.” Flee to Jesus! Look to Him. Submit to Him in that temptation and, by His grace, press on resisting sin.
Some believe, “Don’t fight sin, just pray about it.” Paul writes, “flee from idolatry” in verse 14. There is much about warring against temptation in sin in the New Testament. Yes, pray! And “resist the devil” (James 4:7). War and wrestle against your own lusts as we see Paul encouraging in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. Don’t accept the Devil’s lie that you don’t need to fight.
“You are not loved” says the Enemy. You are tempted, failing, being rebuked by the Word of God, the Spirit of God, and maybe a Godly friend or pastor. Maybe some of the church members at Corinth were concerned that they were not loved by the Lord or His servant, Paul. Paul wrote, “my dearly beloved” in verse 14. To believe that God doesn’t love you, His child, is to not trust Him, to count Him as a failure-father, to disregard His great grace. Don’t embrace a thought that God and His people do not love you. That is a devastating falsehood if you accept it. God does love His own and He is working in you “both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13).
Don’t believe the lies of Satan concerning temptation and sin. Believe the truth that sets you free.